Digitalisation is rapidly becoming one of the most important levers for strengthening Europe’s water resilience and at WE Data Europe, we believe our industry is ready to deliver. That’s the message we shared in our recent feature in Smart Water Magazine, where we discussed how data‑driven water management can help utilities, policymakers, and building owners respond to growing water stress across the continent.
In the article, we highlight a simple truth: you can’t manage what you don’t measure. Smart metering, submetering, and digital monitoring give water managers the real‑time insights they need to detect leaks early, understand consumption patterns, and optimise systems at scale. These tools are no longer “future technologies”, they are mature, proven solutions already delivering measurable savings across Europe.
But unlocking their full potential requires a supportive regulatory framework, consistent implementation across regions, and a shared commitment to digital transformation. As an industry, we stand ready to support this shift with the expertise, technology, and data needed to build a more resilient water future.
You can find the first part of the article below. If you’re interested in how digitalisation can strengthen Europe’s water systems and the role our sector can play, we invite you to read the full article on Smart Water Magazine’s website here.
As Europe faces growing challenges around water scarcity and resource efficiency, the digital transformation of the water sector has never been more urgent. WE Data Europe, the European Association for Energy and Water Data Management, unites companies and organisations leading the way in smart metering and data-driven resource management. In this interview, Markus Weidling, CEO, and Sofia Lettenbichler, Managing Director of WE Data Europe, discuss how digital metering empowers both utilities and consumers to use water more efficiently. They share insights from a new pan-European study showing that smart water metering can reduce household consumption by up to 25%, highlighting how data, technology, and policy alignment can drive Europe’s transition towards a more sustainable and resilient water future.
WE Data Europe, the European Association for Energy and Water Data Management, brings together companies and organisations at the forefront of digital metering and data management across Europe. Could you briefly explain WE Data Europe’s mission and how it supports the digital transformation of the water sector?
Markus Weidling: At WE Data Europe, our mission is simple but powerful: you can’t manage what you don’t measure. We represent the companies that make it possible to collect, analyse, and act on energy and water data in buildings. By promoting the rollout of smart water and energy metering, we accelerate Europe’s transition towards more efficient, sustainable, and resilient resource management.
Sofia Lettenbichler: The digital transformation of the water sector starts with data. Digital metering enables real-time insights into how water is used, helping consumers understand and optimise their consumption. Our role is to bridge innovation and policy so that these solutions can scale across Europe.” […]
